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Duterte sacks key minister over corruption

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has fired a key minister of his cabinet over his alleged involvement in corruption.
Duterte said Tuesday that Interior Minister Ismael Sueno, a key member of his controversial campaign on drugs, had been sacked over the anomalous purchase by the interior ministry of fire trucks from a foreign country.
Sueno’s removal from the post was decided during the cabinet meeting late on Monday. The 69-year-old has denied any wrongdoing and said in a statement he was not corrupt. He said the firetruck deal was approved by Duterte’s predecessor.
Duterte said the decision was in line with his previous promises about the need for the Philippines to be tough on corruption. “It’s corruption … I do not have to belabor the point. Just remember my promises to the people: no corruption, drugs, criminality,” he said.
Sources in Duterte’s office would not elaborate whether charges would be brought up against Sueno.—Agencies